France Travel Guide
What You Need To Know: The Bare Bones
Population: 60 million
Area: 547,000 km2
Religion: Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 1%, Unaffiliated 6%
Currency: The Euro
Passports, Visas etc.
UK and US citizens need only take a passport for stays less than three months. US citizens are restricted to this three-month period before they need to get a visa. UK citizens may need to get a visa after three months if they had their passport date stamped on entry. Passports should be used as ID but it is advisable to carry a photocopy and leave the real thing safely at your hotel.
Safety Advice
France is a safe place to visit overall. The main concern is crowded tourist areas that attract small time pickpockets and bag snatchers. Never openly carry anything of value and be careful of possessions at all times. Follow normal common sense rules, avoid badly lit areas, and try not to travel alone, tell someone what your itinerary is, and don't leave things on display in vehicles.
The Roads
Roads are of good quality and cover the country comprehensively. The autoroute toll roads are always the quickest way to travel long distances. Cities can be congested and parking may be a problem. Other drivers can be a little on the aggressive side. Trains are also fast and reasonably priced.
Stay Healthy
There are no more worries here than in any other European country, no inoculations are required and the water is clean. UK citizens carrying an E111 form can get free medical help. Personal experience indicates that cash up front may be required if so keep all receipts and claim back on return. US citizens should ensure that they have ample insurance. Take sensible precautions against the effects of the sun.
Insurance
Take out adequate insurance to cover health, accident, and theft of money and possessions.
Law and Order
Do not traffic or pedal drugs of any kind.
Cash and Plastic
Traveller's cheques are easily changed, credit cards are readily accepted and ATM machines are widely available.
Climate and When to Go
The climate varies widely from the Mediterranean heat of the south in summer to Alpine cold or chilly and damp in a northern winter. Generally, however the weather is warm in summer and mild in the winter although the mountain regions are cold enough for snow and skiing.
The summer months are the tourist high season and many of the main attractions can get very crowded. This is especially true of the south coast from mid July to the end of August.
La Belle France?
France is a big country with a big personality.
The scenery is stunning and contrasting. From the wild Breton coast to the quiet sandy beaches of the Vendee; from the mountains -The Alps and The Pyrenees - to the flat farmlands of the north. France has Lakes in the Jura region and rivers all over notably the Seine, Loire, Rhone and Marne. There are wetlands in the Carmargue and ancient, craggy cliffs in the Massif Central.
Historically France is no less fascinating. From the earliest times man has left his mark; from the Lascaux caves to the Eiffel Tower, from the battlefields of the Somme, Agincourt and Normandy to the great Gothic cathedrals at Rouen and Chartres.
Then there is the art, from cave paintings to impressionism and beyond France has made a massive contribution.
Don't forget the food and drink. A meal in an expensive restaurant, a 'picnic of cheese and bread or a vast family meal at a farmhouse kitchen each is a culinary delight in its own way.
With a heritage like this no wonder the French are a proud race somewhat protective of their cultural inheritance. To enjoy France in one go is next to impossible it is just too big and to try and rush would be to miss the point.
And we'll always have...Paris
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